Assam Releases Seven Rescued Golden Langurs into Newest National Park

Seven endangered golden langurs, rescued from wildlife traffickers in western Assam's Chirang district last month, were released into the Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

The golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) is one of the most endangered primates in the world, found only in a narrow geographic corridor spanning western Assam and the foothills of southern Bhutan. Its habitat is bounded by rivers, including the Brahmaputra, on three sides and mountain ranges in Bhutan on the fourth.

Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, spread over 316 square kilometres across the Chirang and Kokrajhar districts in the Bodoland Territorial Region, is the newest of Assam's eight national parks. It forms part of the Manas Biosphere Reserve and provides a habitat for several rare species, including the golden langur.

Announcing the release, Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said the primates had completed a carefully supervised rehabilitation process before being reintroduced into their natural habitat. Their health and behaviour were assessed scientifically to ensure readiness for release.

The minister described the development as a major achievement in the state's wildlife conservation efforts, crediting coordinated action by forest officials, wildlife experts, enforcement agencies, and local communities.

The released langurs were among eight rescued from nine traffickers, including a Bangladeshi national, during an operation by the Assam Police's Special Task Force. One of the rescued primates died despite medical intervention and rehabilitation efforts.

The species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, which provides the highest level of legal protection.

Other golden langur habitats include Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Raimona National Park, Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kakoijana Reserve Forest.